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| The Accuracy of Pregnancy Tests |
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There are many types of pregnancy tests available for women.
Urine pregnancy tests can be inexpensively purchased over the counter
for home use, with a variety of brands to choose from.
Blood serum tests can be obtained at clinics and outpatient facilities for a much higher fee, and are usually not required unless for pregnancy confirmation or other diagnostic indication. There are many factors involved in determining the accuracy of the test, such as urine versus blood, sensitivity of the individual test, amount of time since last ovulation, and level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) present in the urine or blood at the time of test. After conception the fertilized egg, or embryo, travels down through the Fallopian tube into the uterus where it implants into the lush uterine lining. This process takes approximately a week, and it is not until this time that hCG is detectable. The earliest a urine pregnancy test can detect hCG is ten days after embryo implantation, and often times it may take longer, because every woman and every pregnancy is unique. Human chorionic gonadotropin is not always produced at the same levels, and as discussed earlier, the sensitivity of pregnancy tests varies. A blood serum pregnancy test can detect even small amounts of hCG that are not yet present in the urine. A woman may not ovulate on the average fourteenth day, so she may not ovulate until possibly a week later, which would delay the time that hCG would appear in the urine. Urine pregnancy tests are accurate and reliable, as well as affordable. However, if it is too early, the pregnancy will not be detected, requiring a repeat pregnancy test. Some manufacturers sell multiple unit packages, in the event no hCG is present in the urine, a second test can be performed a few days later for confirmation. Urine pregnancy tests are widely available, inexpensive, and give immediate results. They can be purchased in grocery stores, discount retail outlets, pharmacies, and of course on the internet. Prices range from approximately $ .50 - $ 7.00, depending on where the test is purchased. Internet prices offer an even greater discount, especially when larger quantities are purchased. A positive result on a urine pregnancy test should be confirmed with a serum blood level if there is any question. Urine pregnancy tests are not fool-proof and there is always a slight margin of error present. A positive result does also not guarantee that the pregnancy is progressing normally either. If an ectopic pregnancy (outside of the uterus) is present, hCG levels will still be present, but will decline as the fetus fails to grow. If this is the case, surgery would be required to remove the pregnancy before complications arise. This is why it is so imperative that soon after a positive result, a pregnant woman should consult an obstetrician. Or a family health care provider to confirm conception and delivery dates, and to begin regular prenatal care. A positive pregnancy test is only the beginning, whether wanted or unwanted, it will set off a significant chain of life events. |
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